With an unimpressive 80 feet and a tedious near-60 mph, this isn't the greatest. It's only fun because of the amount of drops and just because it's a woodie. When the first drop just leaves you hanging (no pun intended), you know there's something wrong. I will say this though, most rides at great america seem shorter than you can remember. For this, it's 2-3 minutes and it doesn't under-stay its welcome. Those seconds are something. Viper doesn't pack such a strong bite, but it's sufficient enough.

The Viper is a wooden roller coaster. It was built in 1995. It is 100' tall, it is 3,458' long. This wooden coaster was fast, fun, rerideable, had a large capacity and an long duration. It also has a double dip in the middle of the ride and has alot of airtime.

This is one of the better wood coasters I've been on. The overall ride is enjoyable and provides great forces. When you get to the top of the lift hill, the chains slows down, allowing you to stare at the drop ahead of you. This Cyclone based ride is a really great woodie. It's pretty smooth (for a wood coaster) and never leaves you bored. It has stong air time and has good g-force throughout. This is an intense ride. The line itself is well shaded and the ride has a nice theme. Unfortunately, it has one of Great America's trademark freakishly long exit paths. The overall experience is great, but this ride has fallen victim to advertising. When I was at Six Flags, there was a giant Geico banner on the second elevated curve.

If you are heading into Hurricane Harbor the 2 coasters that catch your eye are Viper and Raging Bull. Since Raging Bull is taller and faster most people flock to that one. But this has the better overall ride experience. The station is themed western style and is pretty shaded so it is an enjoyable queue to wait in. It runs pretty efficiently as well. As you watch Viper, it looks like it stalls right at the top! But it of course shoots back down, like a snake rearing to strike. You think "That doesnt look too bad, the drop isnt even that high or fast!" That maybe because Raging Bulls drop is right in your face while waiting in line haha. As you near the station you tell a ride op how many is in your group and they let you in. Now I only tried the front rows so I dont know what the back rows are like. Strap yourself in, youre in for an airtime filled ride! You take a turn and go up the lifthill. When you reach the top it stalls, giving you time to think about whats to come. It goes down surprisingly fast, and hits a turn. You get flung to your side, and head down another drop. I dont remember the rest of the ride that clearly because it was so insane but I do remember huge airtime filled drops that ripped you right out of your seat And more turns that flew you to your side. The thing I like most about it is it is kind of rough, but not "Im going to die" rough. Just the kind of rough that shows you whos boss. And it is a long ride! So spread the word that Viper is one of the most underrated woodies that deserves attention.

Several mini drops are okay. If yer riding this after it rains, be sure to expect loud, and annoying squeaking. Camera on this ride. Not a bad ride time, with a cool view of Hurrican Harbor. Not a fan of wood coasters, but it wasnt bad.

Viper is a must! This Great Snake has its days and Nights! For the first half hour or so Viper runs with no pause at the top of the lift to warm up the bearings but once their warm on a 80+ Degree day in July or August that train does not want to stop!With 11 spots of out of your seat airtime how can you go wrong? It might be 12 years old but this Wooden Monster Still Delivers!